Shadow War
Author: Sean McFate & Bret Witter
Publisher: William Morrow
ISBN: 9780062403704
Year Published: 2016
Unlike many new authors trying to make a name for themselves in the political and military-thriller genres, Sean McFate has actually lived the life he is now writing about. Drawing from his own experiences, having served in the prestigious 82nd Airborne division of the United States Army, as well as having worked for a private military contractor, McFate adds realism and authenticity to a blistering story about deceit, corruption, and wars fought both by soldiers on the battlefield and by men wearing suits behind closed doors.
His hero, Tom Locke, works as a mercenary for a private contracting firm called Apollo Outcomes. Although Locke and his team of highly skilled operators (former members of the world's elite Special Forces units) usually work in North Africa, he is asked by Apollo's management to lead a Ukrainian revolt against Vladimir Putin's Russian forces and then install a rich oligarch as the head of Ukraine.
Locke's orders are to head to Ukraine and rescue the family of wealthy businessman Kostyantyn Karpenko, who is also a member of parliament before leading an assault on Russian forces.
Locke assembles a team of highly-trained individuals who he trusts for the mission.
Meanwhile, unknown to Locke, his immediate boss at Apollo Outcomes, Brad Winters, has his own personal agenda for the mission.
Unfortunately for Locke and his team, there is a possibility that this grand scheme may put the whole team in danger and their plans to rescue Karpenko and his family in jeopardy.
This Ukrainian assignment is complicated further when Locke meets an old flame from his past who works as an investigative reporter who wants to tag along and she is bringing along an incompetent CIA case officer with her.
What Locke doesn't know is that Winters’ secret plan is tied to the mission - to get direct access to the oil fields of Ukraine. And given Winters' choice, in order to get his hands on what he wants, he is more than willing to let Locke and his team become collateral damage, if required.
With these dangers stacked against him, Locke must find a way to stay alive long enough to beat the odds and complete the job.
Having all these elements at play, the novel provides plenty of drama and a realistic view of political intrigue, and McFate really impresses with lines that ring with authenticity.
Told in first person narrative through Locke's eyes, McFate's fictional debut is comparable to Brad Taylor's thrillers. It is explosive, well-crafted and features nonstop action.
Unfortunately, in-between the many explosions and gun fights, there is little character development. However, McFate makes it up with a complex but captivating plot that develops and gets more intriguing as the story proceeds.
With shadowy figures and multiple antagonists, it is easy for readers to root for Locke and his men.
A promising debut from an author who clearly knows the realities of the mercenary's trade. An interesting read.
